Part Time Dial A Ride Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of people in the Duluth-Superior area?

The Duluth Transit Authority is hiring part-time bus drivers for our paratransit department-STRIDE (Special Transit RIDE). The DTA is an award-winning transit agency that provides safe, convenient, and affordable public transit service (fixed route and paratransit) within the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI. We transport just under 3 million passengers annually by way of our 75+ bus fleet and we employ approximately 200 team members. STRIDE is dial-a-ride transportation service for qualified individuals with disabilities in the Twin Ports. It operates in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Candidates need to be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid regular Class D Driver's License, pass a pre-employment drug screen, pass a DOT physical (paid for by the DTA), pass random drug screens while on the job, and be able to handle the physical requirements of the job and offer outstanding service to all customers, including those who are elderly and/or have disabilities. Training is paid, and on-the-job training. Previous driving experience is helpful, but not required.

The pay rate is $27.00 per hour and this position is about 20-25 hours per week. You must be able to work some Saturdays and Sundays. There are weekday shifts available as well, and you might not need to work every weekend. The span of time you might work on Saturday and Sunday could vary each day. Shifts could start anywhere from 5:00am to 9:00am, and end anywhere from 4:00pm to 11:00pm, depending on the requests for rides. Your day could be anywhere from 6-10 hours long, depending on your preference. A shorter shift could be discussed at the time of application, especially on weekends. Additional hours during the week are available if you would like more hours, but you must be able to work weekends on rotation. Regular, dependable attendance is necessary for the performance of the job duties.

DTA is An Equal Opportunity Employer

DTA is a Drug-Free Workplace

JOB PURPOSE:

The Paratransit (STRIDE) Bus Operator operates DTA paratransit (STRIDE) buses in a manner that is safe, provides for a comfortable ride and maintains scheduled trips. The Paratransit Bus Operator also provides customers with courteous and attentive service. This is a Teamsters Local 346 Union position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates DTA paratransit (STRIDE) buses in a manner that exemplifies standard company defensive driving principles and practices, is safety conscious and follows all company safety policies and procedures. Operates the bus in a manner that gives customers a smooth and comfortable ride. Adheres to all traffic regulations. Adjusts personal driving habits to accommodate changing conditions, (i.e., weather conditions, detours, route changes, etc.).
• Performs pre-trip safety and preventative maintenance inspection and reports the condition of the bus. Performs periodic inspections of the bus while in service and reports any noted defects and/or damage. Completes the bus defect card in a complete, concise, understandable and legible manner. Monitors the mechanical performance of the bus and reports problems in a timely manner. Has a complete working knowledge of the operational characteristics of all models of paratransit (STRIDE) buses operated by DTA.
• Provides customers with reliable and professional service. Maintains a comfortable environment on the bus.
• Has a complete understanding of the DTA paratransit (STRIDE) fare structure and collects all applicable fares. Inspects all ride tickets presented for currency and proper use. Notifies dispatcher of problems regarding fare collections.
• Keeps dispatcher informed of all operational changes including, but not limited to, delays, mechanical problems, accidents, traffic congestion, passenger problems and other operational items.
• Completes in a timely, correct and legible manner all required reporting forms to include day cards, survey forms, defect cards, accident and incident reports, and other forms that may be required.
• Follows all procedures as identified in the Paratransit Bus Operator Manual, Station Rules, Union Contract and memoranda.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a valid Class D Driver's License in good standing.
• Must have the ability to safely and efficiently operate and maneuver DTA paratransit (STRIDE) buses in an urban environment under all types of traffic and weather conditions. (We will train this skill)
• Must have the ability to read and interpret maps.
• Must have excellent verbal communications skills. Must be able to verbally communicate service information in a clear, concise and understandable manner. Must have the ability to effectively deal with customers of diverse ages, services, needs and expectations.
• Must have a basic understanding of mechanical functions of the buses and the ability to identify mechanical malfunctions. (We will train this skill)
• Must successfully complete the DTA New Paratransit Bus Operator Training Program. (This is a paid training program)
• Must pass a pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check, and participate in random drug and alcohol screenings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand intermittently, sit in a confined space for an extended period of time, walk intermittently, push and pull up to 250 lbs., bend over, reach, kneel on the group, stoop, extend arms to reach bus controls and equipment, twist and turn waist, shoulders and neck, climb stairs and move both legs to reach brake and accelerator pedals and turn signal controls.
• The physical requirement listed in this section include, but are not necessarily limited to, the motor/physical abilities and skills required of this position in order to successfully undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodation may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Benefits:

• Access to MN Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Uniform shirts provided